A college student was arrested on Wednesday after police allege that he was promoting a fake SantaCon event in Fairfield.
Fairfield University student Emmet Blaney, 19, of Massapequa, New York, is facing charges of criminal attempt to commit disorderly conduct and criminal attempt to commit third-degree criminal trespass, according to the Fairfield Police Department.
Emmet Blaney, 19, of Massapequa, New York. (Courtesy of Fairfield Police Department)
Blaney is accused of promoting a SantaCon gathering at a private beach house he has no affiliation with without the homeowner’s permission, police said. According to police, the promotions reached over 600,000 views.
Blaney was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Superior Court on Dec. 8.
Police recently issued a public advisory ahead of SantaCon on Dec. 6, announcing that there would be no public event in Fairfield this year.
“This advisory is intended to clarify what is occurring in Fairfield, set expectations, and outline the steps being taken to protect residents and maintain public safety,” police said. “There is no public SantaCon event in Fairfield this year. The only sanctioned activity is the private, ticketed event being hosted by Fairfield University for Fairfield University students and their registered guests. This event is not open to the public. All attendees will be required to have a ticket, show identification, and only individuals 21 years or older will be permitted to consume alcohol.”
According to police, thousands of people arrived in the beach area in Fairfield in 2024, “creating safety hazards, quality-of-life issues and an unsustainable strain on emergency services.”
“As a residential beach community, Fairfield is not designed to accommodate large, unregulated crowds,” police said.
“Following last year’s difficulties, the Fairfield Police Department, Town officials, and Fairfield University collaborated to develop a more controlled and responsible approach for 2025,” police added. “Much of Fairfield’s shoreline consists of private property and private beach associations, which are not open to the general public.”
Police said trespassing, open container violations, disorderly conduct and other criminal violations, would be addressed immediately.
Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris noted that, while the department respects the rights of all individuals, “Fairfield will not tolerate disruptive, unsafe, or unlawful behavior that threatens the peace of the community.”
“Our priority is protecting our residents, our neighborhoods, and everyone’s safety. If you are not invited to the private event, do not come to Fairfield expecting a public SantaCon celebration. There isn’t one. Our message is simple: If you come to Fairfield to break the law or disrupt this community, you will be held accountable.” Paris said.